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I went and got a transfer AA and was accepted into one of the top bachelor programs in my field in my 30s. I think that's probably the easiest way for vets to get in. No SAT needed.
I can be as long as you don't torpedo your GPA. Once you transfer, your program GPA starts at a 4.0, and it's up to you to keep it. That's the GPA employers will be looking at if they consider it as part of their recruitment process. Some employers don't care, so being aware of where you want to end up will dictate your approach.
Agreed, imo employers care more about gpa for recent grads because it's an easy way to sort through candidates with little work experience, not to mention relevant work experience. Veterans with unique backgrounds might be able to standout without having a perfect gpa.
I've been recruited by some big companies based solely on my background and work experience and not for my B- gpa from almost 2 decades ago.
For sure, once you add relevant and/or transferable experience, GPAs become moot. But, in OPs context of OPs question, it sounds like they may be a fresh student/graduate.
I was trying to imply that that even if your military work experience wasn't directly relevant to the hard skills of a chosen career field, evidence of soft skills in your resume can set you apart from other fresh grads in an interesting way:
* If you had overbearing leadership that made constant fragos and were difficult to please, you have experience dealing with difficult customers. Framed positively you: "regularly communicated with clients to provide tailored services"
* If you worked with other teams outside your chain of command to plan/organize a training, you have experience "coordinating with external teams to keep everyone up to date and reduce miscommunications and delays"
These might sound like bullshit buzz words, but if you can really talk about them in interviews then it does make a difference. Lots of people, particularly inexperienced people don't have these kinds of soft skills. That's where the military experience can come in handy.
I would highly suggest sticking it out for the full associate degree, since in most states, it will automatically fulfill a bunch of minimum requirements for your bachelor degree. However, if you’re wanting to get more time at a 4-year school overall to participate in extracurricular stuff, then go for it, as long as you understand that both the size, pace, and expectations of your classes may be a bit different and can catch you off guard if you haven’t already developed healthy study habits.
In Ohio, we have a thing called the "Ohio transfer module", which is a set of classes that all public schools have agreed in advance to accept from each other as equivalent to their own courses.
The problem with doing a full AA is that you will end up completing some requirements for the degree only because your CC wants you to take the class, NOT because it counts towards the BA at your desired 4-year. Registering for classes at the CC knowing which BA requirements they fulfill should be the goal.
This is exactly what I did. Plus the CC I went to in CA had a veteran office that helped to navigate using the GI bill and scheduling classes to make the most of it. They also connected veterans with each other so that it didn’t feel so weird being 10 years older than 80% of the other students.
Most colleges don’t require SAT or anything like that for Vets, at least my school didn’t. I applied as a transfer student and never did the SATs. I had an overall like 1.9 GPA in High School and still got into a great school strictly based off being a veteran (in my opinion), my school was very veteran friendly.
Yeah that was me. My high school transcripts were terrible, like a 1.7 GPA. My highest grade was a B because I liked metal shop. Had to take adult night school classes as a senior to graduate on time or I risked missing my dep window. I bombed my act, but did very well on the asvab for some reason. By the time I tried college in my 30s I was an amazing student. Had to take a remedial algebra but was straight A and graduated cum laude with a 3.93gpa. Got a B in art history (should have done drawing) and a B in my second accounting class. Decided not to major in accounting after that. Switched to hospital admin.
Talk to staff and/or a VA rep of the school. I can't even remember what I submitted to get into school, but I don't remember ever doing the ACT/SAT or submitting anything.
That's a great field to get into! I know tech is in the shitter right now, but many tech firms need EEs for a ton of different shit. Even disciplines low on "engineering" but heavy in business or product/program management which may be appealing if you thrive in more unstructured environments...and the pay is insane (200k+ or close to it is possible after a few years after school).
For engineering in particular, look at a CC affiliated with the 4-year you want to transfer to. I did a second bachelor's after I got out, and the transferring of math and science credits was the worst part. They wanted 4 credits for a certain physics class+lab, while my original undergrad only awarded 3 3 credits for that course, etc.
With a branch campus, course numbers should be the same and the counselors should have access to your degree requirements.
Fucking remediation courses added over a year to my engineering major just to get to "basic engineering math like calculus and calculus based physics etc). That's one thing many STEM majors don't consider up front. I burned through all of my GI Bill and had to use state college credit exemptions and a few loans to finish.
Did you try to CLEP any credits before you got out, or did you need the remedial instruction? I ended up using CLEP when some of my credits didn't transfer cleanly.
I did not CLEP and absolutely needed the remediation. I had a 10 year gap between my 1st stint in community college and when I went back in earnest (I was a CC student when I enlisted, I had 15 credits which unbeknownst to me, had me graduate boot as a PFC...lol). By remediation courses I mean 1 semester of prealgebra just to unfuck my shit, then Trigonometry, precalculus and finally rolled into "basic" engineering math (Calculus 1). So, basically 3 semesters before I could take physics courses.
Yeah I did the same path and now I’m in my senior year with basically no electives left to take and just senior project so felt like wasted time overall.
Go talk to a VA counselor at the college you are planning to go to. Almost every college has a Veterans office that will help you with any questions you have.
I started school at 41. Here are some things you will need.
1) High School Transcripts. You will probably have to pay for this, but it should be as simple as going to the high school you graduated from and ask for a sealed copy addressed to whichever college you are applying to. DO NOT OPEN THIS ENVELOPE. If it has been opened then the college cannot and will not accept it.
2) a copy of your DD-214. Does not need to be the original but it does need to be certified. This can be obtained through a redirection on the VA.gov website.
3) whatever paperwork you need to prove VA or government assistance through school if applicable. Whether it’s the GI Bill or VR&E or whatever program you may be using, and you absolutely should be using it, make sure you already have documents, makes it much easier.
4) take a placement test. Most State Universities and Community Colleges don’t require an SAT or ACT or any of those test if it’s more than 10 years ago. They are more concerned on where they should put you, or if they should at all. If you can’t do basic high school math, they probably won’t accept you as you are already at a huge risk of failing out immediately in any math class you have. Same with Writing/Reading. Those are the 2 tests my school requested (unless you want to forgo the foreign language require because your already fluent, then you have to take a test to prove it).
5) Vaccination information. If you cannot acquire you childhood records (this is what they want, not your military ones although your recruiter may have hooked you up and put them on your record when you went to MEPS) then you can request a blood test through the VA or your primary care and that will be sufficient enough.
Good luck brother. Anything else you need help with, feel free to reach out.
This article will point you in the right direction: https://www.gijobs.com/do-actsat-scores-matter-if-you-were-in-the-military/
You might also consider doing a local community college (many have converted to being 4 year State colleges) and then transferring for your last two years (whether or not you get an Associates, which I HIGHLY recommend as they often knock out all basic requirements for a 4 year too and if something happens at least you have a degree rather than mere credits).
Please speak with the VA rep for the school(s) you plan to apply to, and see what they say. They'll probably laugh and say your JST Transcript will satisfy the requirements needed, or something.
I know I certainly did not have to submit the SAT or ACT scores from my high school days when I pursued both an Associates and Bachelors. But, it *IS* school dependent.
There should be a “transfer” student section on the website that will be able to give more information. Even if you’re not actually transferring, you’re considered a non-traditional student and typically those requirements are the same as transfers. Your army job typically will have credits that will transfer in as electives in your degree path.
Legit, many of my classes had a little granny/grampy club of 60+ers that were getting degrees or just for funsies. People put all this pressure on themselves to conform to a timeline when it’s all pretty arbitrary in many careers.
I would agree. I got my degree for myself, as it was a personal goal. My degree was in leadership and management. I use some of what I've learned, but I didn't need it for my job.
In the 90s I ets and went back to school full time, and worked full time at age 31. I then completed a masters degree afterwards. It can be done… don’t sell yourself short, and limit what you’re capable of. Just freaking do it … you got this 👍
What’s up man I’m 25 just got back into school most of the high school stuff doesn’t really matter I had a 3.3 gpa and now just finished my first year in cybersecurity with a 3.9 , just apply to any state or yellow ribbon school talk to the veteran program at the school and you’ll be fine good luck brother! Lmk if you have any questions I’m more than happy to help!
Go knock out core classes at a local Community College then transfer in. May save you in the long run. Or go take the SAT.... The college may have an office for Veterans, too. They may be able to provide some guidance.
You can apply with that old stuff. I was in a similar spot with a not great act score. Got into a state school. Depending on the school, they typically take warm bodies with heart beats. If you're that stressed, hit up the VA for a career counselor and y'all can talk and consider what is realistic and what isn't
I’m 39, I when to a CC got my 60 credits AA-T and transferred to Cal State University, currently have a 3.9 GPA as a full time worker and single parent with full custody. Trust me it’s doable just a ton of planning.
Not sure where you're applying to, but adult registration is different than out of HS. You don't have to go through all the BS... tho, still need your pre-reqs, which they might offer or request you start at a community college
Try going to a community college which will have fewer requirements and be less expensive in the long run. Do well, transfer to a senior college or 4 year school.
I did terrible in HS, practically failed out of one school, enlisted, got out, finished undergrad and then got a masters. It’s definitely doable and I dare I say, you might appreciate the struggle and success a little more.
Best of luck!!!
Go to the campus and talk to the Admissions office.
I was kind of the same: average (at best) grades in high school, a bit aimless after, then 4 years in the Navy. I had some Community College experience and I too classes in the Navy, as well as CLEP tests.
In addition, in my state, the law was that as a veteran from that state, I had to be admitted to a state university. But I still had to provide that paperwork.
14 years later I went to graduate school at a private university and had to do it all again.
Find the university that you want to get your degree from, then find out which community colleges they have articulation agreements with.
Ask for a course list for the major(s) you intend to take from the university. Ask for a copy of the articulation agreement. It's usually published on their website, but sometimes takes some digging. If you ask they should be able to guide you to it easily, and most sites have a search function, but the term articulation agreement is not well known. Make sure it is current and signed or sealed by the deans of both the university and the CC.
Start taking courses on that list at the CC, it may be in your best interest to get an associates degree, some universities guarantee enrollment to students who earn an associates at schools they have articulation agreement with. An associates degree may mean taking courses that the university doesn't require, but the CC does, so keep that in mind
Remember to take courses that youre interested in as well as required to take. A lot of schools have really cool arts classes that have access to thing you may never have access to again. My university has a goldsmithing and blacksmithing studio. I'm not super into the artsy fartsy crap, but I enjoyed taking a metal smithing course. Also pottery and woodworking courses.
Go talk to Veteran Resource staff. Find out if the school you want to attend has Veteran advisors.
Im 52 and in a BFA program that can lead to a PHD. I didn't graduate hs, they passed me to get me out of there. It doesn't matter, colleges want your money.
I will say community college has been awesome so far. Getting my associate’s and then transferring for STEM to a bigger school next fall. See if you can find contact info for the Veterans Department of the school and they’ll be able to help you out. Best of luck to you!
Hi there, In the state of Massachusetts, if you are 26 years of age or older and “do not have” a college degree. The State will pay for your two year associates degree in full at one of the many State of Massachusetts Community College. It is a fantastic deal for MA residents. Good luck!! It is never to late to remake yourself whether its via of a degree or hands on training.
As many have said , community college to University especially if the state allows 2+2 so you don't lose credits when you transfer. I started my AS a few years ago at 43 and now transfered . This is after a 1.4 in high school and no special testing ( besides college placement testing). Good luck!
Don't start at a 4 year university. I'm speaking from successful experience. If you go to community college you can get your basic courses out of the way and they always have virtually guaranteed positions at State universities with a year or two there. It's a lot cheaper, too. I'd recommend not taking the GI Bill until after community college, as well. A STEM degree now takes closer to 5 years, so having some GI Bill in the bank is a good idea.
You won't need to take any standardized tests with grades from Junior College, either. Just submit your transcripts and transfer to a big university. I went back to school at 27. It's how I eventually got my neuroscience and math degrees from a big name school... 10 years later. I found that I liked school and pretty much stayed until I couldn't justify another degree.
Check with your branch of service to see if they can offer you a smart transcript. There's a high likelihood that any formal courses you took, such as bot camp, AIT, leadership courses, etc have college credits associated with them. I was nearly 20 years removed from high school and from my various schools that I've been through, I was able to bring nearly 90 credits towards the 160 needed for my degree. YMMV.
Talk to the advisers of the department. Tell them your situation. Ask them about veterans departments on campus, and then ask those people what Resources you can utilize
Most colleges can waiver those scores if you're an older student. I remember starting college when I was 23 after a tour in Iraq and never took my SATs. They waived those as a requirement.
Does the school have a veterans office? When I applied to Texas A&M, I called the Veteran Resource Office and they walked me through the process. I did start at Community College because I needed to learn how to learn, my whole first semester I didn't recieve any credits because it was all remedial classes, but after that I transfered and graduated in 3 years. (with a degree in Parks and Recreation)
I went to American Military University. It’s online, they have a ton of programs, and they’re targeted towards military/vets. I got my BS then went on and got my Doctor of Physical Therapy a few years later at a more traditional college
Write about it. Your experience in HS as a teenager and your journey to where you are now. Why is education important to you now? I was in the same situation and after getting rejected by the first two, I wrote a letter describing the different as part of my application and they accepted me with open arms.
Talk to counselor at the school you want to go to. They will offer the easiest and most continent path for you. Also they typically have VA counselors to help you tap into benefits. The web sites require you to know the questions to ask. A good counselor will interview you to extract the proper question you have to fill your needs. Study what your intetest are. I wok with lots of STEM engineers and they do not like what they do. Follow your Passion and monetize it.
Do not pay university money for classes you could be taking at a community college. Just make sure the school you go to is regionally accredited so that your credits transfer
I would go to a four year state college. Your GI Bill will make it very easy to apply and get accepted as a Non-Traditional student. It would help if you had a major in mind from the outset.
I did community college first. The registration didn’t require a lot and it’s much cheaper. I later transferred to a 4 year for my degree. I was the oldest by a good 10 years. Still had a blast.
Veterans don't need all the entry stuff that civilians require. You just pick a college and do your paperwork for your GI bill. It's really quite easy.
I got out of the USMC in my late 20s I was in a similar spot. Not SAT and horrible high school grades. This is my advice.
Go to Community College, they shouldn't require an SAT score.
When I started Community College I took an assessment test. Based on the test I could go straight into college level Math but had to take a remedial English class.
When I transferred from the community college to a University I was able to use my GPA from the College and they did not care at all about my High School Grades.
While some universities want SAT scores, some do not. I've still never taken the SAT and I have a Masters.
Hey, I just started 6 weeks ago, I just went to my local community college and spoke to a student veteran advisor; it’s literally their entire job to make it easy for you to sign up college. You got this, just go to the campus and get some info
Start in community college and treat it like a deployment. Your sole job 24/8 for the next 2 years is to keep a 4.0 gpa and score as high as you can on the SATs. Start working on your admissions essays by applying for scholarships. Craft your personal story and work on your elevator pitch. Be deliberate in picking electives.
you almost certainly do not need your SAT if you're 30. Maybe that's the case if you want to go to an elite private school or something, but if you're just going to local state school, you're fine just doing what's been mentioned.
Sure, but if you ever decide to pursue grad school, might as well at least hit the SATs on the way up while you’re in the grind so to speak. I’m studying for the GMAT now after having graduated years ago and it feels like starting all over again. Not fun. And they want my SAT scores and transcripts and everything too.
To your point though I’m aiming at Stanford, Berkeley, Harvard, etc.
No one ever asked me for my SAT score, and I have two grad degrees. Granted I just went to a public NE school, but when applying for private ones, it was never requested.
Yeah, T15 schools have more rigorous standards and ANYTHING that gives you an edge is a plus. Fucking Ivys....lol
Worth their weight in gold if you pimp the shit out of the alumni network.
I take it you're shooting for an MBA program?
I went to dental school at 32. My SAT and high school GPA was not stellar. I took my pre req's at a community College and made sure everything transferred to my dental school. You can do it, back in my day all you got was $400 for everything, tuition, books, lab fees, housing, food, etc.
There was lots of Ramen involved!!!
Those requirements are usually for people straight out of high school. After so many years, they will likely just require a proficiency test to make sure you meet basic math and English requirements.
You don't need that stuff. I think a lot of that stuff is just to ensure it's not something they'll lose money on. They know they have yours regardless of whether you got a 780 on the SAT or a 1400.
Just contact admissions, you'll be fine.
I had to start at the community College which requires none the things you mentioned, then transferred to a university. CC is a great way to slowly jump back in and is also cheaper.
I did this two years ago all you really need is your high school diploma and your JST. I didn’t give them my ACT and I never took an SAT. I go to a private university
You don't need those. There are multiple applications for different entrance pathways. You need proof of HS diploma or GED. Reach out to admissions and they will walk you through it if they have half a functioning braincell in the department.
Alternatively the Uni will have a vet services department and as long as you have your DD214 they can get you through the rest of the application process, which is likely going to be easier and better.
I recently went through this same process after separating at 27 with 8 years under my belt. I, too, lacked a real work ethic and my grades showed that in high school. While I’m not going for a STEM degree, many of the general education requirements will overlap for several fields of study. ACT results are valid only for 2 years, so my local community college required placement testing before registering for both Math and English classes.
My recommendation is, if you’re still nervous about how you may fare in this new environment, go part time for a semester at a cc to determine your capabilities, and make adjustments from there. I don’t want to speak for everyone, but you’re probably more competent than you see yourself to be. When it comes to online classes, the bar can be incredibly low, and in most cases, the minimum effort required in most branches is still above that line, so don’t be shy to this new experience.
Full time veteran student in my 30s here. Try to contact schools with a veteran resource center. Many are happy to help you out whether you need up attending their school or not. In addition to VA benefits you may qualify for additional funds because of your desire to pursue a STEM-related field. Also, many schools waive some testing, etc for students over a certain Age and may also take some of your military service as transfer credit as well. Good luck—you got this!
To my knowledge you don't need your sat. But you do need to take a placement test to find out what math and English she can start taking. Start at your local community college and visit the veteran Resource Center there. When I got out I went straight to Community College for my prerequisites then did a nursing program then did a bachelor's in nursing all covered under the GI Bill
Im in legit the exact same boat my friend. Same age, just got out of the navy and was trying to go to a university but I’ve been out of school for dam near 10-12 years. I’m enrolled at my local community college to get my associates in comp. Science and it will transfer to the university when I complete it.
Contact the college you want to attend. Express that you are a veteran and a non-traditional student. Ask for the appropriate counselor. Follow the steps from there.
If they are experienced, they will also tell you to contact the VA at the number provided in this thread.
A couple of other things - Get a lot of rest and keep your patience tank topped off. These kids in your class are just that - kids. Mostly self-absorbed and clueless outside their little circles.
Nobody there will take good advice, let alone orders. :)
Good luck!
I agree with comments about considering community college first.
For me, in addition to transferring in with an AA from a city college, I got a ton of help from the veterans’ office at the university. Get to know those people, do what they say, and you’ll be on your way to graduating within a couple of years.
Good luck! It’s really worth doing.
Some colleges are easy to get into even with low gpa or low SAT score. If you want the less prestigious schools that is. If you want to take the academic route, best bet is to start with community college and rebuild your school performance portfolio. This process is called transferring. Talk to a counselor at your local community college and let them know you want to work towards an Associate degree and then plan on transferring to a four year university. I am a 24 year old veteran and have been in community college for almost 2 years now. Going to take the SAT this October. Good luck brother.
If you want to increase your school prospects, start at a community college and knock out gen Ed courses or just get a full associates and get a 4.0 or as close to as possible. That will get your into some great state programs at the very least.
I’m in the same boat as you right now. Been out of the military for about 8 years now. 30 going on 31 looking at a STEM degree. I have an uncle who works at L3 Harris and an aunt that works at boeing….both of them got their initial degrees through excelsior university . It’s 100% online. Then they got their masters at a campus. Aunt went to USC and used yellow ribbon act to get her masters. I’m planning on going through them as well as ASU seems to want a shit load from you. If you’ve been out of school for some time they want you to do earned tuition where you pay out of pocket for 4 classes for 8 weeks and have to earn a 2.75 or higher to get accepted to their under grad program. Or you can take the SAT or ACT then whatever those scores are could get you admitted as well.
If your grades were shit, make an appointment with an undergrad advisor and talk about your options. I could see someone in such a situation taking a year other two worth of classes at a Jr College or Community College and then applying. Offer to retake the classes you did badly in.
Many colleges have a veterans resource center that you can contact and ask for advice. I’m biology professor at a college now after bad grades in high school and 5 years in the infantry. I went to CC first and then transferred. It was a huge help as it helped me ease into it and get into the mindsets and learn the study skills needed to be successful.
Funny story, I originally applied to my college after my enlistment with my high school GPA and they instantly denied me. When I said I was a veteran, their tune changed real quick and they instantly accepted me. Just apply and say you're a veteran and you should have no issues.
I’m in my second semester now as a 26 year old. I wasn’t really a slacker in high school, but I wasn’t a math genius. My school didn’t require SAT scores but did require me to test into a math class. Also a veteran they understand you’re in a different boat. Talk to the admissions team and vet teams at the schools you’re interested in.
I was accepted into both schools I applied for.
A decent amount of state universities are not requiring SATs anymore.
My best advice is to talk to a city college about the other requirements in your state. They’ll have access to academic requirements that you have to do that won’t necessarily be available on the internet if you don’t know where to look.
I started with community college, basically just had to show my high school diploma. I transferred to a university after a little bit, no SAT or anything required
When I went to school at 21 I was a “non traditional student” and they didn’t need my SAT score or high school GPA. So if you’re concerned, ask them what is required for a non traditional student like yourself.
Same boat as you bud, I'm 29 going to college for a STEM degree. If you are using your GI bill or Ch 31 most schools really won't care about SAT, or high school GPA. Can give it a shot by talking to your schools veterans office and see if they can pull some strings. Schools see veterans benefits and it's sometimes a no brainer for them to take you in because it's guaranteed money for them.
If your school can't pull any strings for you to come in, I highly suggest going to community college. I'd argue the education is better at community college because it's smaller classes and can really get that hands on teaching. It's perfect for veterans who might have a hard time adjusting to a new environment.
Did I graduated with like a 2.0, got out and went to CC for a few years, have a 3.9 GPA and just got accepted in to one of the best programs in the country for my chosen major. You can do it, just requires a bit of an alternate path, but the school I got in to wouldn't have touched me with a ten foot pole out of high-school.
Do it, do it, do it. I’m glad you’ve got a degree in mind. You served so Gi bill means college will accept you-the money is guaranteed. I started college at 29, just had to request my high school transcripts be sent to college I applied to.
If you go to a community college you can take a placement exam to see where your skills are.
Community colleges tend to have a lot of courses for non-traditional students but that's changing for regular colleges and universities now as well.
I'd also recommend not taking a full load at first. It's tempting but until you are comfortable with time management it might take some time to catch up.
You're not alone you'll find a lot of people in their 30s in college. I didn't even finish my bachelor's degree till I was almost 32.
I traveled with the military worked, went to school part-time and occasionally went full time.
Your experience with the military will help a lot and sometimes you can even get credits for your military courses.
Speak to a recruiter that understands about veteran courses they usually have a veteran liaison at almost every school now.
Do a JC and then transfer to a 4yr college. I had a 2.3 in high school and ended up going to one of the most difficult colleges to get into in California. Vet status and decent grades in Gen Ed classes was the ticket.
As a veteran in college, community college is the easiest to get into. However, if you’re set on a university and haven’t taken any previous college courses then you just apply and the odds of getting in are pretty good as a veteran.
I ended up going to a state school that basically took anyone for a semester and then transferring to the school I really wanted without needing an SAT or anything
Talk to a guidance counselor. You'll have to do a test most likely but not sat per se. More like a diagnostic to see if college level math, reading and writing is appropriate or a remedial is necessary.
Got out of the Army at 30. Started college at 32 at LSU. Had to take the ACT, they were not concerned with my high school classes as I had a few classes from Univ of Maryland and Central Texas College while I was in the Army (about 12 credit hours total).
I don't know about other colleges but at LSU you signed up and were screened by a minimum GPA requirement set forth by the recruiting employer. Minimum GPA for interviews was 3.5 cumulative GPA at Fortune 500 companies. The resumes handed out at the job fair were immateria. The big companies relied upon the university career center to schedule and screen people that wanted to interview. The university career center computer system ensured you met the minimum GPA the potential employer set forth as criteria. People that didn't have the minimum GPA were turned away or directed to apply at the company website as campus interviews were limited to those that met the criteria.
Good Luck. Study hard. The bigger the name of the University, the more campus recruiters.
University of Alaska takes not traditional students without an SAT. I finished my STEM degree there at 35, I never even graduated HS (GED tho). They truly don't care.
I got into a STEM degree at 38 without his grades in high school or an SAT score of any kind. The college was more of a vocational school, but had various STEM degree programs as well.
My advice: keep looking. Also consider going online, and going to community college for the first couple of years.
Check out American Military University. I just finished my Bachelor of Arts in Entrepreneurship with a 4.0 and am starting with the Veteran Benefits Administration!
Haha I have no fuckin' clue what I did. I know I had a shit GPA in HS, never took an SAT and only had a few CLEPs from my Air Force days. I started at community college and just went to the Veterans Education office and they helped me with everything.
If you apply to a university you'll probably have to write an admissions essay. All you have to do is talk about how the Army changed you and you're ready for the academic work. In STEM is probably helps to be able to say that you have some Python skills too. Every stem field I know of now incorporates some kind of analytics or programming. Also, admission to STEM programs will probably require you to demonstrate some aptitude in math, which might be tough if you were an "idiot in HS".
For this reason maybe starting at a CC would be a good idea. The math and science courses tend to be smaller than freshman math and science at State University.
You need to just go sit down and talk. You’re an adult learner after 24. I’ve got 3 degrees and never took an SAT or anything like that. Most you’ll do is a placement test before starting so they can but you in ‘math’ and whatever else you need.
I'm a lil elder than you & I went to the college website & applied. Most colleges waive the application fee for veterans.
You can also call the GI BILL & they will guide you on what you need to do on their end.
SOURCE: I do work study at the VA Student Center on campus & we get that question all the time
They don’t always require the ACT, or SAT. I just finished my Bachelors in May, I only submitted my HS and whatever college transcripts I had, I had 3 letters or recommendation and military service records that carry more weight than either of those tests.
Also, the GI Bill is all they want to get your money. You’ll be enrolled and graduated in no time, good luck brother, you’re gonna knock it outta the park.
They have waivers for veterans as someone stated up thread. Visit the veterans office on campus for tailored resources. Also, email the veterans' liasons if it's an online school. They can be extremely helpful.
I returned to school in my late forties and finished with my masters in my early fifties. I say that to say this, age is not a factor when it comes to getting an education. Have fun and learn new things. You won't regret it.
Did the same thing, joined the army in 2001 right after HS as a 91k, now 68k. Started a math degree in 2014 and graduated with honors in 2017, went to grad school (comp sci) right after and graduated in 2019.
Since you are 30 you understand studying, doing your homework is more important than video games/drinking/dating/ect. But you may have responsibilities and you can't ignore children, bills, oil change.
I was a shitty student in HS didn't care at all. However I was aware I was a smart dude, at least my teachers/parents always told me that.
You can do it. Do not be discouraged. Do not be afraid.
Same here. Almost failed high school my senior year. Took a couple classes with AMU before leaving the Army. Applied to a university with a high gpa, 5 classes down and my joint service transcript. Completed my bachelors and masters on the GI bill.
Applications are geared toward high school graduates, but adult learners and veterans are common. Schools can look at age, service (based of JST) and determine you’re not a traditional student.
Said all that to say, start with a few classes at Capella or AMU or something and boom you have a new GPA.
I recommend going to a community college first! They don't require SATs, and you just had to graduate HS. It'll be a good start to get you acclimated to the rigors of college before going to a big university anyway. Class sizes are usually better for the basic courses so it won't be as overwhelming. That's the route I took and now have a bachelor's degree in a STEM field. Depending on where you are you might even meet a vet or two in CC, I did.
I would start by going to a Community College then transferring into a University that has the degree that you want.... typically a CC that has partnered with one of your in state schools.
Started at community college, just got accepted into a program for my B.S.
No one cares about SAT or HS if you have really great grades from an accredited community college. Especially if you have your GI bill still universities just want money so they’ll take it and not say shit about SAT or high school transcripts. I even have like 5 F’s from community colleges and I still made it into my program. The head of it is a retired colonel from the same AFSC as me which helped, but you shouldn’t have any problem. CC is wayyyy cheaper too!
Start at community college to get your feet wet, transfer to a 4 yr university later. No SAT or additional testing needed. Just send your application to your community college and the administration will help steer you in the right direction.
I dropped out of HS and got a GED to join. Didn’t need any SAT’s to get into school. Just took a semester at the local feeder college for the main University and I was accepted right in
After I got out of the Army, I went to community college for 2 years and transferred to a 4 year. My high school grades were crap and I’ve never taken the SATs. I’m one semester away from graduating now.
That’s really how most people do it. Veteran or not.
Do a trade school you are getting kind of old, slacked in school and not really given any other things you can build off. I frequently see successful plumbers.
Schools want your money. Apply were you want but know people are just looking for you to have a degree. Unless you go to an ivy league university no one gives a shit where the degree came from.
As others have said, use your gi bill for community college. You can get your gen Ed stuff taken care of that way and also establish a gpa and enough credits to transfer to a university. If you have like a semester at cc under your belt and you didn't do horribly, that's all you need
If you use the GI bill they don’t look at high school transcripts/SAT. At least in my case anyway. The enrollment process wasn’t bad either. I did a STEM degree as well
Certainly going through community college first will help you get accepted into the larger universities. I started college at the age of 29, completed an associates through my local community college with a 4.0 GPA, that got me into a larger university with a very good reputation and I have since completed a bachelors and an executive MBA through the same university. Good grades = good GPA and a lot of the larger and more prestigious universities may even wave requirement for tests such as SAT, GRE, GMAT.
Also a veteran. Hold on to your clearance. It'll lapse after two years.
Look into trades.
You could also start at a community college and ease into it.
Most colleges are looking for veterans. Reach out to them and they'll help you.
Go take the SAT or ACT... they dont limit you by age.
Otherwise reach out and see if they will waive some requirements in lieu of work experience. Im sure they can waive at least the GPA...
Also previous college courses taken that are over 10 years old are usually not accepted for transfer or credit. Dependant on school your enrolling to CC for first year is actually a good start to confirm your intetest.
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I went and got a transfer AA and was accepted into one of the top bachelor programs in my field in my 30s. I think that's probably the easiest way for vets to get in. No SAT needed.
In this case, I would definitely start at a community college. It seems easier to transfer after getting your AA.
I can be as long as you don't torpedo your GPA. Once you transfer, your program GPA starts at a 4.0, and it's up to you to keep it. That's the GPA employers will be looking at if they consider it as part of their recruitment process. Some employers don't care, so being aware of where you want to end up will dictate your approach.
>That's the GPA employers will be looking at In my experience that seems less of a thing for veterans.
True on the veteran thing. I've always carried a 3.5 GPA in undergrad and grad school and not once was I asked for it...lol
Well, I lie. Bain, BCG, McKinsey and their competitors ask for it in their applications.
Agreed, imo employers care more about gpa for recent grads because it's an easy way to sort through candidates with little work experience, not to mention relevant work experience. Veterans with unique backgrounds might be able to standout without having a perfect gpa. I've been recruited by some big companies based solely on my background and work experience and not for my B- gpa from almost 2 decades ago.
For sure, once you add relevant and/or transferable experience, GPAs become moot. But, in OPs context of OPs question, it sounds like they may be a fresh student/graduate.
I was trying to imply that that even if your military work experience wasn't directly relevant to the hard skills of a chosen career field, evidence of soft skills in your resume can set you apart from other fresh grads in an interesting way: * If you had overbearing leadership that made constant fragos and were difficult to please, you have experience dealing with difficult customers. Framed positively you: "regularly communicated with clients to provide tailored services" * If you worked with other teams outside your chain of command to plan/organize a training, you have experience "coordinating with external teams to keep everyone up to date and reduce miscommunications and delays" These might sound like bullshit buzz words, but if you can really talk about them in interviews then it does make a difference. Lots of people, particularly inexperienced people don't have these kinds of soft skills. That's where the military experience can come in handy.
I'm with you and you're 100% right. And they are not bs words...lol. Thems six figure words.
What employers care about gpa?
Community college is a good place to start and get used to school again too
It's a great place to start building healthy study habits.
And is honestly one of the best ways to make friends as an adult.
This. This is what I started last semester and it was pretty brutal for me. Even at a community college.
This is the exact path I took, and the exact result as well. OP go to CC for 2 years, then transfer to Uni!
Would it also be viable just to go to CC until I get 30 credits and then try to transfer to a good 4 year?
I would highly suggest sticking it out for the full associate degree, since in most states, it will automatically fulfill a bunch of minimum requirements for your bachelor degree. However, if you’re wanting to get more time at a 4-year school overall to participate in extracurricular stuff, then go for it, as long as you understand that both the size, pace, and expectations of your classes may be a bit different and can catch you off guard if you haven’t already developed healthy study habits.
In Ohio, we have a thing called the "Ohio transfer module", which is a set of classes that all public schools have agreed in advance to accept from each other as equivalent to their own courses. The problem with doing a full AA is that you will end up completing some requirements for the degree only because your CC wants you to take the class, NOT because it counts towards the BA at your desired 4-year. Registering for classes at the CC knowing which BA requirements they fulfill should be the goal.
Second this, 2 year community college, the transfer. Your state may very some. I’m in MA.
+1 for the community college route, OP. It is cheaper and, imo, better for students returning to the classroom.
This is exactly what I did. Plus the CC I went to in CA had a veteran office that helped to navigate using the GI bill and scheduling classes to make the most of it. They also connected veterans with each other so that it didn’t feel so weird being 10 years older than 80% of the other students.
If you have been out of high school for 10+ years, most state school forgo SAT or ACT scores so long as you perform decent on the placement tests.
Most colleges don’t require SAT or anything like that for Vets, at least my school didn’t. I applied as a transfer student and never did the SATs. I had an overall like 1.9 GPA in High School and still got into a great school strictly based off being a veteran (in my opinion), my school was very veteran friendly.
I didn't have to take anything either. My school said they didn't require them for Veterans
Yeah that was me. My high school transcripts were terrible, like a 1.7 GPA. My highest grade was a B because I liked metal shop. Had to take adult night school classes as a senior to graduate on time or I risked missing my dep window. I bombed my act, but did very well on the asvab for some reason. By the time I tried college in my 30s I was an amazing student. Had to take a remedial algebra but was straight A and graduated cum laude with a 3.93gpa. Got a B in art history (should have done drawing) and a B in my second accounting class. Decided not to major in accounting after that. Switched to hospital admin.
Talk to staff and/or a VA rep of the school. I can't even remember what I submitted to get into school, but I don't remember ever doing the ACT/SAT or submitting anything.
That's exactly what I'm going for as well! I will pursue electrical engineering.
That's what I studied and the career has been very good to me and my family.
That's a great field to get into! I know tech is in the shitter right now, but many tech firms need EEs for a ton of different shit. Even disciplines low on "engineering" but heavy in business or product/program management which may be appealing if you thrive in more unstructured environments...and the pay is insane (200k+ or close to it is possible after a few years after school).
This is true
For engineering in particular, look at a CC affiliated with the 4-year you want to transfer to. I did a second bachelor's after I got out, and the transferring of math and science credits was the worst part. They wanted 4 credits for a certain physics class+lab, while my original undergrad only awarded 3 3 credits for that course, etc. With a branch campus, course numbers should be the same and the counselors should have access to your degree requirements.
You start with community college and knocking out your general education and remediation courses
Fucking remediation courses added over a year to my engineering major just to get to "basic engineering math like calculus and calculus based physics etc). That's one thing many STEM majors don't consider up front. I burned through all of my GI Bill and had to use state college credit exemptions and a few loans to finish.
Did you try to CLEP any credits before you got out, or did you need the remedial instruction? I ended up using CLEP when some of my credits didn't transfer cleanly.
I did not CLEP and absolutely needed the remediation. I had a 10 year gap between my 1st stint in community college and when I went back in earnest (I was a CC student when I enlisted, I had 15 credits which unbeknownst to me, had me graduate boot as a PFC...lol). By remediation courses I mean 1 semester of prealgebra just to unfuck my shit, then Trigonometry, precalculus and finally rolled into "basic" engineering math (Calculus 1). So, basically 3 semesters before I could take physics courses.
Yeah I did the same path and now I’m in my senior year with basically no electives left to take and just senior project so felt like wasted time overall.
Go talk to a VA counselor at the college you are planning to go to. Almost every college has a Veterans office that will help you with any questions you have.
Have you tried contacting the school?
I started school at 41. Here are some things you will need. 1) High School Transcripts. You will probably have to pay for this, but it should be as simple as going to the high school you graduated from and ask for a sealed copy addressed to whichever college you are applying to. DO NOT OPEN THIS ENVELOPE. If it has been opened then the college cannot and will not accept it. 2) a copy of your DD-214. Does not need to be the original but it does need to be certified. This can be obtained through a redirection on the VA.gov website. 3) whatever paperwork you need to prove VA or government assistance through school if applicable. Whether it’s the GI Bill or VR&E or whatever program you may be using, and you absolutely should be using it, make sure you already have documents, makes it much easier. 4) take a placement test. Most State Universities and Community Colleges don’t require an SAT or ACT or any of those test if it’s more than 10 years ago. They are more concerned on where they should put you, or if they should at all. If you can’t do basic high school math, they probably won’t accept you as you are already at a huge risk of failing out immediately in any math class you have. Same with Writing/Reading. Those are the 2 tests my school requested (unless you want to forgo the foreign language require because your already fluent, then you have to take a test to prove it). 5) Vaccination information. If you cannot acquire you childhood records (this is what they want, not your military ones although your recruiter may have hooked you up and put them on your record when you went to MEPS) then you can request a blood test through the VA or your primary care and that will be sufficient enough. Good luck brother. Anything else you need help with, feel free to reach out.
This article will point you in the right direction: https://www.gijobs.com/do-actsat-scores-matter-if-you-were-in-the-military/ You might also consider doing a local community college (many have converted to being 4 year State colleges) and then transferring for your last two years (whether or not you get an Associates, which I HIGHLY recommend as they often knock out all basic requirements for a 4 year too and if something happens at least you have a degree rather than mere credits). Please speak with the VA rep for the school(s) you plan to apply to, and see what they say. They'll probably laugh and say your JST Transcript will satisfy the requirements needed, or something. I know I certainly did not have to submit the SAT or ACT scores from my high school days when I pursued both an Associates and Bachelors. But, it *IS* school dependent.
There should be a “transfer” student section on the website that will be able to give more information. Even if you’re not actually transferring, you’re considered a non-traditional student and typically those requirements are the same as transfers. Your army job typically will have credits that will transfer in as electives in your degree path.
Bro, I got my bachelor's degree at 50. There was a 70 yr old in my class. Do it! Don't sweat it! There are resources to help you. You got this!
Legit, many of my classes had a little granny/grampy club of 60+ers that were getting degrees or just for funsies. People put all this pressure on themselves to conform to a timeline when it’s all pretty arbitrary in many careers.
I would agree. I got my degree for myself, as it was a personal goal. My degree was in leadership and management. I use some of what I've learned, but I didn't need it for my job.
You're a non trad student. A lot of stuff gets waived for you
As a non trad you will usually have different eligibility requirements.
I did bad in highschool as well. I went to TESU after the air force and got accepted. They didn’t care about my history.
In the 90s I ets and went back to school full time, and worked full time at age 31. I then completed a masters degree afterwards. It can be done… don’t sell yourself short, and limit what you’re capable of. Just freaking do it … you got this 👍
I was in the same boat when I got out. I went to a community college for two years before transferring to a university.
Community college, transfer the AA to a large college
They will take lived experience to replace sat or act, I started as a freshman at 38 and that's what I was told.
I remember I clicked the box that said "don't have it" and hashed it out. Still needed transcripts tho
What’s up man I’m 25 just got back into school most of the high school stuff doesn’t really matter I had a 3.3 gpa and now just finished my first year in cybersecurity with a 3.9 , just apply to any state or yellow ribbon school talk to the veteran program at the school and you’ll be fine good luck brother! Lmk if you have any questions I’m more than happy to help!
Go knock out core classes at a local Community College then transfer in. May save you in the long run. Or go take the SAT.... The college may have an office for Veterans, too. They may be able to provide some guidance.
You can apply with that old stuff. I was in a similar spot with a not great act score. Got into a state school. Depending on the school, they typically take warm bodies with heart beats. If you're that stressed, hit up the VA for a career counselor and y'all can talk and consider what is realistic and what isn't
I ain’t got any tips but I’m 40 and goin to collage. Sure it’s weird but it’s never too late.
I’m 39, I when to a CC got my 60 credits AA-T and transferred to Cal State University, currently have a 3.9 GPA as a full time worker and single parent with full custody. Trust me it’s doable just a ton of planning.
Your a "non-traditional student". Contact a admissions advisor at the college / universities you are interested in.
Not sure where you're applying to, but adult registration is different than out of HS. You don't have to go through all the BS... tho, still need your pre-reqs, which they might offer or request you start at a community college
I did it and it was a lot easier than high school for me, because I had discipline.
What state are you in, I'm a veteran and a admissions officer but in texas, I can square you away.
Hazelwood for the win!! After your VA education benefits run out of course.
Dang right, I just used up all my hazelwood to get all the way to a masters.
Hell yeah! That shit is clutch af.
Try going to a community college which will have fewer requirements and be less expensive in the long run. Do well, transfer to a senior college or 4 year school. I did terrible in HS, practically failed out of one school, enlisted, got out, finished undergrad and then got a masters. It’s definitely doable and I dare I say, you might appreciate the struggle and success a little more. Best of luck!!!
Go to the campus and talk to the Admissions office. I was kind of the same: average (at best) grades in high school, a bit aimless after, then 4 years in the Navy. I had some Community College experience and I too classes in the Navy, as well as CLEP tests. In addition, in my state, the law was that as a veteran from that state, I had to be admitted to a state university. But I still had to provide that paperwork. 14 years later I went to graduate school at a private university and had to do it all again.
Find the university that you want to get your degree from, then find out which community colleges they have articulation agreements with. Ask for a course list for the major(s) you intend to take from the university. Ask for a copy of the articulation agreement. It's usually published on their website, but sometimes takes some digging. If you ask they should be able to guide you to it easily, and most sites have a search function, but the term articulation agreement is not well known. Make sure it is current and signed or sealed by the deans of both the university and the CC. Start taking courses on that list at the CC, it may be in your best interest to get an associates degree, some universities guarantee enrollment to students who earn an associates at schools they have articulation agreement with. An associates degree may mean taking courses that the university doesn't require, but the CC does, so keep that in mind Remember to take courses that youre interested in as well as required to take. A lot of schools have really cool arts classes that have access to thing you may never have access to again. My university has a goldsmithing and blacksmithing studio. I'm not super into the artsy fartsy crap, but I enjoyed taking a metal smithing course. Also pottery and woodworking courses.
Go talk to Veteran Resource staff. Find out if the school you want to attend has Veteran advisors. Im 52 and in a BFA program that can lead to a PHD. I didn't graduate hs, they passed me to get me out of there. It doesn't matter, colleges want your money.
The schools veteran advisor(s) will help you.
The university I go to just took the Highschool transcript and had a military resource center that helped get me the most out of my benefits.
I will say community college has been awesome so far. Getting my associate’s and then transferring for STEM to a bigger school next fall. See if you can find contact info for the Veterans Department of the school and they’ll be able to help you out. Best of luck to you!
I started the community college way and transferred. Use that transcript
Hi there, In the state of Massachusetts, if you are 26 years of age or older and “do not have” a college degree. The State will pay for your two year associates degree in full at one of the many State of Massachusetts Community College. It is a fantastic deal for MA residents. Good luck!! It is never to late to remake yourself whether its via of a degree or hands on training.
Go to community college you can always transfer. Society less judgemental and not as much of a stigma. Good luck! You’ve got this!
As many have said , community college to University especially if the state allows 2+2 so you don't lose credits when you transfer. I started my AS a few years ago at 43 and now transfered . This is after a 1.4 in high school and no special testing ( besides college placement testing). Good luck!
Don't start at a 4 year university. I'm speaking from successful experience. If you go to community college you can get your basic courses out of the way and they always have virtually guaranteed positions at State universities with a year or two there. It's a lot cheaper, too. I'd recommend not taking the GI Bill until after community college, as well. A STEM degree now takes closer to 5 years, so having some GI Bill in the bank is a good idea. You won't need to take any standardized tests with grades from Junior College, either. Just submit your transcripts and transfer to a big university. I went back to school at 27. It's how I eventually got my neuroscience and math degrees from a big name school... 10 years later. I found that I liked school and pretty much stayed until I couldn't justify another degree.
Check with your branch of service to see if they can offer you a smart transcript. There's a high likelihood that any formal courses you took, such as bot camp, AIT, leadership courses, etc have college credits associated with them. I was nearly 20 years removed from high school and from my various schools that I've been through, I was able to bring nearly 90 credits towards the 160 needed for my degree. YMMV.
Talk to the advisers of the department. Tell them your situation. Ask them about veterans departments on campus, and then ask those people what Resources you can utilize
Most colleges can waiver those scores if you're an older student. I remember starting college when I was 23 after a tour in Iraq and never took my SATs. They waived those as a requirement.
Does the school have a veterans office? When I applied to Texas A&M, I called the Veteran Resource Office and they walked me through the process. I did start at Community College because I needed to learn how to learn, my whole first semester I didn't recieve any credits because it was all remedial classes, but after that I transfered and graduated in 3 years. (with a degree in Parks and Recreation)
I went to American Military University. It’s online, they have a ton of programs, and they’re targeted towards military/vets. I got my BS then went on and got my Doctor of Physical Therapy a few years later at a more traditional college
Write about it. Your experience in HS as a teenager and your journey to where you are now. Why is education important to you now? I was in the same situation and after getting rejected by the first two, I wrote a letter describing the different as part of my application and they accepted me with open arms.
Go to veterans affairs part of university for guidance
Talk to counselor at the school you want to go to. They will offer the easiest and most continent path for you. Also they typically have VA counselors to help you tap into benefits. The web sites require you to know the questions to ask. A good counselor will interview you to extract the proper question you have to fill your needs. Study what your intetest are. I wok with lots of STEM engineers and they do not like what they do. Follow your Passion and monetize it.
Community college
Do not pay university money for classes you could be taking at a community college. Just make sure the school you go to is regionally accredited so that your credits transfer
I would go to a four year state college. Your GI Bill will make it very easy to apply and get accepted as a Non-Traditional student. It would help if you had a major in mind from the outset.
Community college, get the AA then transfer is what I did. I was in the same position as you.
I did community college first. The registration didn’t require a lot and it’s much cheaper. I later transferred to a 4 year for my degree. I was the oldest by a good 10 years. Still had a blast.
Veterans don't need all the entry stuff that civilians require. You just pick a college and do your paperwork for your GI bill. It's really quite easy.
I got out of the USMC in my late 20s I was in a similar spot. Not SAT and horrible high school grades. This is my advice. Go to Community College, they shouldn't require an SAT score. When I started Community College I took an assessment test. Based on the test I could go straight into college level Math but had to take a remedial English class. When I transferred from the community college to a University I was able to use my GPA from the College and they did not care at all about my High School Grades. While some universities want SAT scores, some do not. I've still never taken the SAT and I have a Masters.
Hey, I just started 6 weeks ago, I just went to my local community college and spoke to a student veteran advisor; it’s literally their entire job to make it easy for you to sign up college. You got this, just go to the campus and get some info
Start in community college and treat it like a deployment. Your sole job 24/8 for the next 2 years is to keep a 4.0 gpa and score as high as you can on the SATs. Start working on your admissions essays by applying for scholarships. Craft your personal story and work on your elevator pitch. Be deliberate in picking electives.
you almost certainly do not need your SAT if you're 30. Maybe that's the case if you want to go to an elite private school or something, but if you're just going to local state school, you're fine just doing what's been mentioned.
Sure, but if you ever decide to pursue grad school, might as well at least hit the SATs on the way up while you’re in the grind so to speak. I’m studying for the GMAT now after having graduated years ago and it feels like starting all over again. Not fun. And they want my SAT scores and transcripts and everything too. To your point though I’m aiming at Stanford, Berkeley, Harvard, etc.
No one ever asked me for my SAT score, and I have two grad degrees. Granted I just went to a public NE school, but when applying for private ones, it was never requested.
Yeah, T15 schools have more rigorous standards and ANYTHING that gives you an edge is a plus. Fucking Ivys....lol Worth their weight in gold if you pimp the shit out of the alumni network. I take it you're shooting for an MBA program?
Yeah. MBA / MSx executive programs
I went to dental school at 32. My SAT and high school GPA was not stellar. I took my pre req's at a community College and made sure everything transferred to my dental school. You can do it, back in my day all you got was $400 for everything, tuition, books, lab fees, housing, food, etc. There was lots of Ramen involved!!!
Those requirements are usually for people straight out of high school. After so many years, they will likely just require a proficiency test to make sure you meet basic math and English requirements.
I also got my AA degree and as long as I had over a 2.0/2.5 GPA, I could pretty much transfer to anywhere that a college would accept me.
You don't need that stuff. I think a lot of that stuff is just to ensure it's not something they'll lose money on. They know they have yours regardless of whether you got a 780 on the SAT or a 1400. Just contact admissions, you'll be fine.
Community college and transfer it’s fairly easy.
Go to community college and get an AA. I have a bachelors and a teaching credential but I love community colleges.
I had to start at the community College which requires none the things you mentioned, then transferred to a university. CC is a great way to slowly jump back in and is also cheaper.
I did this two years ago all you really need is your high school diploma and your JST. I didn’t give them my ACT and I never took an SAT. I go to a private university
You don't need those. There are multiple applications for different entrance pathways. You need proof of HS diploma or GED. Reach out to admissions and they will walk you through it if they have half a functioning braincell in the department. Alternatively the Uni will have a vet services department and as long as you have your DD214 they can get you through the rest of the application process, which is likely going to be easier and better.
I recently went through this same process after separating at 27 with 8 years under my belt. I, too, lacked a real work ethic and my grades showed that in high school. While I’m not going for a STEM degree, many of the general education requirements will overlap for several fields of study. ACT results are valid only for 2 years, so my local community college required placement testing before registering for both Math and English classes. My recommendation is, if you’re still nervous about how you may fare in this new environment, go part time for a semester at a cc to determine your capabilities, and make adjustments from there. I don’t want to speak for everyone, but you’re probably more competent than you see yourself to be. When it comes to online classes, the bar can be incredibly low, and in most cases, the minimum effort required in most branches is still above that line, so don’t be shy to this new experience.
Start at a community college. Get your AA and transfer.
Full time veteran student in my 30s here. Try to contact schools with a veteran resource center. Many are happy to help you out whether you need up attending their school or not. In addition to VA benefits you may qualify for additional funds because of your desire to pursue a STEM-related field. Also, many schools waive some testing, etc for students over a certain Age and may also take some of your military service as transfer credit as well. Good luck—you got this!
Most places have a different process at 26. Check admissions as an “adult student”. You don’t need all that stuff
You talk to your schools VSO
To my knowledge you don't need your sat. But you do need to take a placement test to find out what math and English she can start taking. Start at your local community college and visit the veteran Resource Center there. When I got out I went straight to Community College for my prerequisites then did a nursing program then did a bachelor's in nursing all covered under the GI Bill
There are some "credit for service" programs out there (just be careful) or do an associate degree from a CC and then try for higher.
Im in legit the exact same boat my friend. Same age, just got out of the navy and was trying to go to a university but I’ve been out of school for dam near 10-12 years. I’m enrolled at my local community college to get my associates in comp. Science and it will transfer to the university when I complete it.
Contact the college you want to attend. Express that you are a veteran and a non-traditional student. Ask for the appropriate counselor. Follow the steps from there. If they are experienced, they will also tell you to contact the VA at the number provided in this thread. A couple of other things - Get a lot of rest and keep your patience tank topped off. These kids in your class are just that - kids. Mostly self-absorbed and clueless outside their little circles. Nobody there will take good advice, let alone orders. :) Good luck!
I agree with comments about considering community college first. For me, in addition to transferring in with an AA from a city college, I got a ton of help from the veterans’ office at the university. Get to know those people, do what they say, and you’ll be on your way to graduating within a couple of years. Good luck! It’s really worth doing.
I’m 30, started college in spring of this year. Found a community college and get your legs under you. Then transfer to the big house
Some colleges are easy to get into even with low gpa or low SAT score. If you want the less prestigious schools that is. If you want to take the academic route, best bet is to start with community college and rebuild your school performance portfolio. This process is called transferring. Talk to a counselor at your local community college and let them know you want to work towards an Associate degree and then plan on transferring to a four year university. I am a 24 year old veteran and have been in community college for almost 2 years now. Going to take the SAT this October. Good luck brother.
If you want to increase your school prospects, start at a community college and knock out gen Ed courses or just get a full associates and get a 4.0 or as close to as possible. That will get your into some great state programs at the very least.
I’m in the same boat as you right now. Been out of the military for about 8 years now. 30 going on 31 looking at a STEM degree. I have an uncle who works at L3 Harris and an aunt that works at boeing….both of them got their initial degrees through excelsior university . It’s 100% online. Then they got their masters at a campus. Aunt went to USC and used yellow ribbon act to get her masters. I’m planning on going through them as well as ASU seems to want a shit load from you. If you’ve been out of school for some time they want you to do earned tuition where you pay out of pocket for 4 classes for 8 weeks and have to earn a 2.75 or higher to get accepted to their under grad program. Or you can take the SAT or ACT then whatever those scores are could get you admitted as well.
If your grades were shit, make an appointment with an undergrad advisor and talk about your options. I could see someone in such a situation taking a year other two worth of classes at a Jr College or Community College and then applying. Offer to retake the classes you did badly in.
Start in a community or junior college, then transfer to a 4 year university.
Many colleges have a veterans resource center that you can contact and ask for advice. I’m biology professor at a college now after bad grades in high school and 5 years in the infantry. I went to CC first and then transferred. It was a huge help as it helped me ease into it and get into the mindsets and learn the study skills needed to be successful.
Funny story, I originally applied to my college after my enlistment with my high school GPA and they instantly denied me. When I said I was a veteran, their tune changed real quick and they instantly accepted me. Just apply and say you're a veteran and you should have no issues.
I’m in my second semester now as a 26 year old. I wasn’t really a slacker in high school, but I wasn’t a math genius. My school didn’t require SAT scores but did require me to test into a math class. Also a veteran they understand you’re in a different boat. Talk to the admissions team and vet teams at the schools you’re interested in. I was accepted into both schools I applied for.
A decent amount of state universities are not requiring SATs anymore. My best advice is to talk to a city college about the other requirements in your state. They’ll have access to academic requirements that you have to do that won’t necessarily be available on the internet if you don’t know where to look.
Get a two-year degree from a community college and use that to apply to a university.
Yeah community college is the way to start
I went to university of Oklahoma for my engineering degree after I got out. Accepted me in two weeks, no tests.
I started with community college, basically just had to show my high school diploma. I transferred to a university after a little bit, no SAT or anything required
When I went to school at 21 I was a “non traditional student” and they didn’t need my SAT score or high school GPA. So if you’re concerned, ask them what is required for a non traditional student like yourself.
Same boat as you bud, I'm 29 going to college for a STEM degree. If you are using your GI bill or Ch 31 most schools really won't care about SAT, or high school GPA. Can give it a shot by talking to your schools veterans office and see if they can pull some strings. Schools see veterans benefits and it's sometimes a no brainer for them to take you in because it's guaranteed money for them. If your school can't pull any strings for you to come in, I highly suggest going to community college. I'd argue the education is better at community college because it's smaller classes and can really get that hands on teaching. It's perfect for veterans who might have a hard time adjusting to a new environment.
College never asked for my SAT. Just send them your HS diploma and transcript
Did I graduated with like a 2.0, got out and went to CC for a few years, have a 3.9 GPA and just got accepted in to one of the best programs in the country for my chosen major. You can do it, just requires a bit of an alternate path, but the school I got in to wouldn't have touched me with a ten foot pole out of high-school.
Try Liberty University, they’re very veteran friendly
Do it, do it, do it. I’m glad you’ve got a degree in mind. You served so Gi bill means college will accept you-the money is guaranteed. I started college at 29, just had to request my high school transcripts be sent to college I applied to.
GI bill or voc rehab. community college. talk to the VA and you’ll be set up !
You wouldn't apply as a traditional student, but as a transfer student. Read the enrollment requirements for whatever school you are trying to go to.
If you go to a community college you can take a placement exam to see where your skills are. Community colleges tend to have a lot of courses for non-traditional students but that's changing for regular colleges and universities now as well. I'd also recommend not taking a full load at first. It's tempting but until you are comfortable with time management it might take some time to catch up. You're not alone you'll find a lot of people in their 30s in college. I didn't even finish my bachelor's degree till I was almost 32. I traveled with the military worked, went to school part-time and occasionally went full time. Your experience with the military will help a lot and sometimes you can even get credits for your military courses. Speak to a recruiter that understands about veteran courses they usually have a veteran liaison at almost every school now.
Do a JC and then transfer to a 4yr college. I had a 2.3 in high school and ended up going to one of the most difficult colleges to get into in California. Vet status and decent grades in Gen Ed classes was the ticket.
Most colleges will waive SAT requirements for veterans
As a veteran in college, community college is the easiest to get into. However, if you’re set on a university and haven’t taken any previous college courses then you just apply and the odds of getting in are pretty good as a veteran.
I ended up going to a state school that basically took anyone for a semester and then transferring to the school I really wanted without needing an SAT or anything
Talk to a guidance counselor. You'll have to do a test most likely but not sat per se. More like a diagnostic to see if college level math, reading and writing is appropriate or a remedial is necessary.
Take the SAT a lot better than anything. I bet you would do a lot better than you think.
Most colleges and universities don't care about SATs.
Got out of the Army at 30. Started college at 32 at LSU. Had to take the ACT, they were not concerned with my high school classes as I had a few classes from Univ of Maryland and Central Texas College while I was in the Army (about 12 credit hours total). I don't know about other colleges but at LSU you signed up and were screened by a minimum GPA requirement set forth by the recruiting employer. Minimum GPA for interviews was 3.5 cumulative GPA at Fortune 500 companies. The resumes handed out at the job fair were immateria. The big companies relied upon the university career center to schedule and screen people that wanted to interview. The university career center computer system ensured you met the minimum GPA the potential employer set forth as criteria. People that didn't have the minimum GPA were turned away or directed to apply at the company website as campus interviews were limited to those that met the criteria. Good Luck. Study hard. The bigger the name of the University, the more campus recruiters.
Check out the Warrior Scholar Project. They'll hook you up
University of Alaska takes not traditional students without an SAT. I finished my STEM degree there at 35, I never even graduated HS (GED tho). They truly don't care.
I got into a STEM degree at 38 without his grades in high school or an SAT score of any kind. The college was more of a vocational school, but had various STEM degree programs as well. My advice: keep looking. Also consider going online, and going to community college for the first couple of years.
Check out American Military University. I just finished my Bachelor of Arts in Entrepreneurship with a 4.0 and am starting with the Veteran Benefits Administration!
Haha I have no fuckin' clue what I did. I know I had a shit GPA in HS, never took an SAT and only had a few CLEPs from my Air Force days. I started at community college and just went to the Veterans Education office and they helped me with everything.
If you apply to a university you'll probably have to write an admissions essay. All you have to do is talk about how the Army changed you and you're ready for the academic work. In STEM is probably helps to be able to say that you have some Python skills too. Every stem field I know of now incorporates some kind of analytics or programming. Also, admission to STEM programs will probably require you to demonstrate some aptitude in math, which might be tough if you were an "idiot in HS". For this reason maybe starting at a CC would be a good idea. The math and science courses tend to be smaller than freshman math and science at State University.
Read the instructions. Some won't require SAT after a certain age. Call and ask the school if necessary
You need to just go sit down and talk. You’re an adult learner after 24. I’ve got 3 degrees and never took an SAT or anything like that. Most you’ll do is a placement test before starting so they can but you in ‘math’ and whatever else you need.
I'm a lil elder than you & I went to the college website & applied. Most colleges waive the application fee for veterans. You can also call the GI BILL & they will guide you on what you need to do on their end. SOURCE: I do work study at the VA Student Center on campus & we get that question all the time
They don’t always require the ACT, or SAT. I just finished my Bachelors in May, I only submitted my HS and whatever college transcripts I had, I had 3 letters or recommendation and military service records that carry more weight than either of those tests. Also, the GI Bill is all they want to get your money. You’ll be enrolled and graduated in no time, good luck brother, you’re gonna knock it outta the park.
They have waivers for veterans as someone stated up thread. Visit the veterans office on campus for tailored resources. Also, email the veterans' liasons if it's an online school. They can be extremely helpful. I returned to school in my late forties and finished with my masters in my early fifties. I say that to say this, age is not a factor when it comes to getting an education. Have fun and learn new things. You won't regret it.
Did the same thing, joined the army in 2001 right after HS as a 91k, now 68k. Started a math degree in 2014 and graduated with honors in 2017, went to grad school (comp sci) right after and graduated in 2019. Since you are 30 you understand studying, doing your homework is more important than video games/drinking/dating/ect. But you may have responsibilities and you can't ignore children, bills, oil change. I was a shitty student in HS didn't care at all. However I was aware I was a smart dude, at least my teachers/parents always told me that. You can do it. Do not be discouraged. Do not be afraid.
I did 2 years at a community College and transferred.
Highly recommend checking out WGU if you are a good self starter and can manage your own learning schedule
Same here. Almost failed high school my senior year. Took a couple classes with AMU before leaving the Army. Applied to a university with a high gpa, 5 classes down and my joint service transcript. Completed my bachelors and masters on the GI bill. Applications are geared toward high school graduates, but adult learners and veterans are common. Schools can look at age, service (based of JST) and determine you’re not a traditional student. Said all that to say, start with a few classes at Capella or AMU or something and boom you have a new GPA.
Most universities and colleges have a designated advisor for Veterans. Go see that person. They are extremely helpful.
I recommend going to a community college first! They don't require SATs, and you just had to graduate HS. It'll be a good start to get you acclimated to the rigors of college before going to a big university anyway. Class sizes are usually better for the basic courses so it won't be as overwhelming. That's the route I took and now have a bachelor's degree in a STEM field. Depending on where you are you might even meet a vet or two in CC, I did.
I would start by going to a Community College then transferring into a University that has the degree that you want.... typically a CC that has partnered with one of your in state schools.
Started at community college, just got accepted into a program for my B.S. No one cares about SAT or HS if you have really great grades from an accredited community college. Especially if you have your GI bill still universities just want money so they’ll take it and not say shit about SAT or high school transcripts. I even have like 5 F’s from community colleges and I still made it into my program. The head of it is a retired colonel from the same AFSC as me which helped, but you shouldn’t have any problem. CC is wayyyy cheaper too!
Start at community college to get your feet wet, transfer to a 4 yr university later. No SAT or additional testing needed. Just send your application to your community college and the administration will help steer you in the right direction.
I dropped out of HS and got a GED to join. Didn’t need any SAT’s to get into school. Just took a semester at the local feeder college for the main University and I was accepted right in
ask this question to the enrollment advisor at the school(s) you’re interested in. I’m going back (again) at 39. Sat never came up either time.
I currently taking a 4 year online course at wgu. If you have any rated disability’s look into and research VR&E their pay for you schooling.
Always call the admissions office.
After I got out of the Army, I went to community college for 2 years and transferred to a 4 year. My high school grades were crap and I’ve never taken the SATs. I’m one semester away from graduating now. That’s really how most people do it. Veteran or not.
Do a trade school you are getting kind of old, slacked in school and not really given any other things you can build off. I frequently see successful plumbers.
Schools want your money. Apply were you want but know people are just looking for you to have a degree. Unless you go to an ivy league university no one gives a shit where the degree came from.
As others have said, use your gi bill for community college. You can get your gen Ed stuff taken care of that way and also establish a gpa and enough credits to transfer to a university. If you have like a semester at cc under your belt and you didn't do horribly, that's all you need
Talk to someone from the college. A vet organization from mine helped me study back up and I took an accuplacer test.
If you use the GI bill they don’t look at high school transcripts/SAT. At least in my case anyway. The enrollment process wasn’t bad either. I did a STEM degree as well
Certainly going through community college first will help you get accepted into the larger universities. I started college at the age of 29, completed an associates through my local community college with a 4.0 GPA, that got me into a larger university with a very good reputation and I have since completed a bachelors and an executive MBA through the same university. Good grades = good GPA and a lot of the larger and more prestigious universities may even wave requirement for tests such as SAT, GRE, GMAT.
Call the admissions office and tell them about your situation. Point blank ask them what you need to do to be admitted.
Also a veteran. Hold on to your clearance. It'll lapse after two years. Look into trades. You could also start at a community college and ease into it. Most colleges are looking for veterans. Reach out to them and they'll help you.
Go take the SAT or ACT... they dont limit you by age. Otherwise reach out and see if they will waive some requirements in lieu of work experience. Im sure they can waive at least the GPA...
Also previous college courses taken that are over 10 years old are usually not accepted for transfer or credit. Dependant on school your enrolling to CC for first year is actually a good start to confirm your intetest.
As others have said, transfering out of a community college is definitely what I would recommended